James Gracey live updates: Catalan police say student found dead in waters off Barcelona beach

James “Jimmy” Gracey, a 20-year-old Elmhurst native, has been found dead after going missing overseas.

Gracey was visiting friends in Spain for spring break, his family said.

He was last seen on Tuesday outside of Shoko, a club in Villa Olimpica area on the Barceloneta Beach, in an area popular with tourists, according to his family.

“Jimmy” was a junior at the University of Alabama and a graduate of Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago.

Chicago-area native college student James Gracey missing

James Gracey, 20, was last seen on Tuesday at a club in Barcelona.

He was last seen outside of Shoko, a club in Villa Olimpica area on the Barceloneta Beach, in an area popular with tourists, according to his family.

The Gracey family is asking for help to find out what happened to him. Anyone with information is urged to contact (224) 505-3886.

CCTV shows Jimmy Gracey accidentally fell into water while alone, police say

Barcelona Police confirmed Friday that CCTV footage showed Jimmy Gracey accidentally falling into the water.

He was alone at the time.

James Gracey’s death in Barcelona was likely an accident, Spanish police say

James “Jimmy” Gracey, a college student from the Chicago area who was found dead after going missing while in Barcelona on a break, was likely the victim of an accident, Spanish regional police said Friday.

Gracey’s body was found Thursday afternoon in the waters off a beach, near where he was last seen outside a Barcelona nightclub with his friends in the early hours of Tuesday.

A spokesperson for Catalonia’s regional police in Barcelona told The Associated Press that “all signs point” to the University of Alabama student’s death being accidental, and that an autopsy would take place.

Gracey, 20, was last seen outside the Shoko nightclub around 3 a.m. on Tuesday. He never returned to the room he was renting with friends, according to family members who live in Elmhurst. Police later recovered his phone.

On Friday morning, people in Elmhurst put red ribbons on trees near the Catholic grade school he attended. Click here for more.

ABC7 Chicago contributed to this report.

James Gracey’s brother posts tribute to social media after student found dead in Spain

Tommy Gracey posted a tribute to his brother, James “Jimmy” Gracey, on Instagram on Thursday.

“I don’t know what to say or how to deal with this. I can’t believe it. I’m gonna miss all the texts and calls about hockey, school, and life in general. I’m not ready to say goodbye to that,” he said in part.

St. Ignatius College Prep plans Memorial Mass for James Gracey

St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago is planning a Memorial Mass for former student James Gracey after he was found dead in Spain.

“We have invited all current parents and students to join us for Memorial Mass to pray for Jimmy’s eternal rest on Monday at 8 a.m. at Church of the Holy Family,” a statement from St. Ignatius College Prep read. “The news of his death allows us to offer a requiem Mass even though it is a Lenten weekday when Masses for the Dead are typically not allowed.”

The Mass will not be open to the public.

Theta Chi Fraternity releases statements on death of member James Gracey

Theta Chi Fraternity has released the following statements on the death of University of Alabama chapter member James “Jimmy” Gracey in Barcelona, Spain:
“Theta Chi International Fraternity and the Alpha Phi Chapter at the University of Alabama together mourn the passing of their brother, James “Jimmy” Gracey, whose body was recovered today after a multi-day search in Barcelona, Spain.”

Statement from Mike Mayer, CEO of Theta Chi International Fraternity:
“It is with profound grief that Theta Chi International Fraternity mourns the passing of our brother James ‘Jimmy’ Gracey, a beloved member of our Alpha Phi Chapter at the University of Alabama.

“Jimmy served his chapter as both Chaplain and as a Philanthropy Chairman. These roles reflected who he was at his core: a young man of deep faith, genuine care for others, and an abiding commitment to his brothers and his community. He was exactly the kind of man Theta Chi aspires to build – a Resolute Man.

“Driven by true devotion and fraternal love, his Theta Chi brothers in Barcelona searched tirelessly for Jimmy for several days. We are deeply proud of them, and we recognize what they have experienced, along with so many across our brotherhood, has been profoundly traumatic. We respectfully implore local, national, and international media to give these young men the space they need to process and grieve this unthinkable loss. We remind all collegiate brothers of Theta Chi the mental health resources the fraternity provides, and we strongly encourage anyone who is struggling with this news to utilize them.

“We are heartbroken for Jimmy’s family and ask all who loved him to join us in praying for them – not just in the days ahead, but long after the headlines have faded.

“In the coming days, Theta Chi will announce ways to honor Jimmy’s life and legacy. Now and always, he remains in our hearts and a cherished part of our eternal brotherhood.”

Statement from Cavin McLay, President, Alpha Phi Chapter, University of Alabama:
“There are no words to describe the pain of losing our beloved brother, Jimmy. He was a man of profound faith who walked with Christ in all facets of his life, and he inspired every one of us to do the same. As our Chapter Chaplain, Jimmy closed every chapter meeting in prayer, bringing us together in a way that reflected exactly who he was and how deeply he was loved and respected.

“Jimmy always went out of his way for anyone who needed him, whether that was guidance in their faith, a shoulder to lean on, or simply someone to share a smile and laugh with. He was always asking how your day was going and was always thinking about the people around him. His smile and attitude were infectious and such a light in our Chapter.

“I can say without hesitation that I am a better person for having known him. He was a role model, a warrior of Christ, and the kind of man every one of us should aspire to be. His faith inspires us to live a life sharing the love of the Lord, and his impact on this Chapter and every individual within it is too great to fully convey. We were all blessed to have him in our lives.

“To say Jimmy will be deeply missed would be an understatement. I am so grateful for the support around the world this chapter is receiving in these difficult times. We find comfort in the wisdom of John 16:22: ‘Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again, and you will rejoice.'”

University of Alabama releases statement on death of student James Gracey

The University of Alabama released the following statement on the death of James Gracey:

“The University of Alabama community is heartbroken to learn of the death of Jimmy Gracey. Jimmy’s loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our condolences are with the Gracey family during this devastating time. We ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve. The University has been in close contact with the family throughout the week and will continue to provide support to them and to Jimmy’s friends, classmates, and all members of our community who are affected by this tragedy. Counseling and support resources are available to students by calling UAPD at 205-348-5454, and to other members of the UA community via the Employee Assistance Program at 888-283-3515.”

James Gracey’s family releases statement after missing college student found dead

James Gracey’s family has released a statement after the missing college student was found dead in Spain:

“Our family is heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy’s body has been recovered in Barcelona.

“Jimmy was a deeply loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend, and our family is struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss.

“We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people around the world – so many helped to share Jimmy’s story and bring his life to light so that others may know him.

“We also sincerely appreciate the continued support and coordination of the local authorities and the U.S. Consulate as we work to better understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.

“As we navigate this painful time, we kindly ask for privacy so that we may grieve together and begin to process his loss as a family.”

Catalan police say James Gracey has been found dead in waters off Barcelona beach

Catalan police say missing American student James Gracey has been found dead in waters off Barcelona beach.

Spanish police have said the cause of death appears to be accidental drowning in the case of University of Alabama student Jimmy Gracey, who went missing after visiting a popular club in Barcelona.

An autopsy revealed Gracey died by drowning and ruled out any signs of foul play, sources close to the case told local outlet El País. CCTV footage reportedly shows Gracey walking alone to a dock area near the club and falling in without anyone intervening.

On Thursday, divers pulled the 20-year-old’s body out of the water just feet from the beachside club Shôko, where he was last seen early Tuesday.

Gracey, who grew up in Elmhurst, Illinois, had been in Barcelona visiting friends who were studying abroad when he disappeared. Gracey visited the nightclub with a friend but stayed when that friend left, authorities said. He failed to return to his Airbnb rental.

The area where Gracey went out is a stretch of beach with several restaurants and nightclubs that are frequented by locals and foreigners.

A local reporter in Barcelona had previously told NewsNation’s Brian Entin that police reviewed CCTV footage and saw Gracey outside the club, leaving with someone. A witness said they last saw Gracey walking toward the beach.

Chicago news station WLS-TV reported Thursday that police found Gracey’s wallet floating in the water near the club. Investigators were reportedly seen searching the perimeter around where the wallet was found Wednesday morning.

Later Thursday, Spanish police released a statement saying it couldn’t “confirm the information regarding the wallet.”

The student’s mother, Therese Gracey, said police had her son’s phone but didn’t say where it was found or how they obtained it.

Sources told El País that police found the phone with a known pickpocket on the beach who said he found it. Police were unable to confirm if it was lost or stolen, but believe the particular incident is unrelated to Gracey’s death.